Portable AmateurRadio Satellite Tracker
This is a WIP proof-of-concept test for a portable amateur satellite full-duplex system. A rtl-sdr is used for RX and an hamlib compatible Rig for TX (FT-818 in this case). The TLEs are parsed and matched against a list of desired satellites. The satnogs transmitter database is used as frequency lookup. Two external rotary encoders might be used on a RPi to control the VFO and RIT of the system.
Notice: this project is Work-in-Progress. It has a lot of bugs and most probablly won't run out of the box. I'm working on it, but feel free to take part in the development!
There are some steps for the software to run:
- Install python dependencies (have a look at the imported modules)
- Install rtl-udp to manage live tuning of sdr dongle as well was rtl-tcp (depending on choosen demod chain)
- Intsall csdr
For demod there are tow demodulation chains availabe. The first one uses rtl_tcp and csdr to demodulate. nmux is used to redistribute the IQ data which enables the implementation of a FFT view down the road. I've run into performance issues on a Rpi 2 using that signal chain.
The second option is a rtl_udp and csdr with direct data piping which is better for leightweight systems but does not feature the option to add a FFT view later on.
A lot, I'm serious !
- Various error handlers. Basic error handling is implemented but there is a lot room for improvement
- UI rework: dynamic scalling
- Better modulization: Allow quicker config for other hardware configs like two radios with CAT
- Automatic TLE and transmitter list download and parsing
- Demodulation box not implemented for leightweight demodulation chain
- More comments, code rework
- external configuration filefor easier deployment for new users
- satnogs for transmmitter database